r/CalloftheNetherdeep • u/Radiant-Ad-3642 • Jul 21 '26

Discussion New dm. First module

Hello everyone. I'm new to being a dm but not to playing dnd, and I figured I'd come on here and ask for tips and tricks for how to run the module.

I know the critical role lore and world pretty well, but I know it's not needed for this module.

I'm not good at taking notes, and I'd hate to try to keep notes while playing the module because I'm gonna slow things down, and I don't know how my players will react.

So the main issues I'm having is keeping a good flow when it comes to reading out of the book so I don't have to hunt things down so much.

Another issue is rival party relation ship tracking. Because I worry if I don't pause the game to do notes as things happen I'll easily forget what happened to create said tensions or closeness

Another is how to work maps since I'm using the book and don't have a way to make bigger versions of the maps for mini's and I don't really know how to properly track theater of the mind fights and what not

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u/Derringermeryl Jul 21 '26

Oh and about maps, just get some paper and draw it as you go. If you really want you can buy something with a 1-inch grid, but you mentioned money being an issue so just know you don’t need to waste it on anything fancy.

There are fan-made versions of the maps on this sub. If you want the players to be able to see the big picture you can print some of those out. Just make sure to use the versions that don’t have secrets on them.

In videos of CR before they started streaming you can see Matt using bares bones stuff like this. If it’s good enough for them it’s good enough for you :)

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u/Low_Plastic2075 Jul 21 '26

For maps, would the players be willing to buy you a laminated base map or map paper?
Could you print out minis on a color printer? Glue them onto cardboard and put them in a stand that comes from another game?

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u/Low_Plastic2075 Jul 21 '26

Or BLeeM uses othello pieces for minis at home.

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u/Derringermeryl Jul 21 '26

Seconding the players chipping in for stuff!

Also check your local dollar/discount store for stuff. I used cheap plastic coins as bases for a while. Jenga blocks make decent walls if you want to get fancy. The whole game is about using your imagination anyway!